Description

On behalf of the Isle of Man, Pobjoy Mint is pleased to announce the release of an exciting new series of commemorative coins celebrating the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics (7-23 February 2014). These games, the first held in Russia since the break-up of the Soviet Union, welcomed 88 competing nations and this series provides a perfect reminder of this incredible sporting event.

To mark this special occasion, Pobjoy Mint’s highly collectable coin series of uncirculated cupro nickel crowns depict four of the 98 events featured at the 22nd Winter Olympic Games and include:

The Luge – showcasing a one-person sled in action on the track, the first organised meeting of this luge took place in Switzerland in 1883 and the sport was later introduced to the Olympic Winter Games in 1964

Figure Skating – depicting a pair of figure skaters, this sport was the first to be included in the Olympics in 1908. Pair skating teams, as shown on the coin, consist of a man and a woman who perform elements specific to the discipline

Curling – invented in mediaeval Scotland, the first written reference to this event was in 1541. Curling has been an official Winter Olympic Games sport since the 1998 Olympics and this coin shows a single player in action setting their curling stone towards the ‘house’.

Alpine Skiing – this coin design incorporates a slalom skier in an event contested at every Winter Olympics since 1936. The word ‘slalom’ comes from Norwegian and this event makes up one of two main technical events in alpine ski racing.

Available in Cupro Nickel and Proof Sterling Silver, each IOM collector’s coin depicts three snowflakes further highlighting the wintry aspect of these special coins. The series is also available with the snowflakes specially coloured to give a frosty appearance.

The obverse of the coin features an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Lord of Mann, by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS. Ian Rank-Broadley is one of the foremost sculptors working today. His effigy of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II has appeared on all UK coinage since 1998 and Pobjoy Mint has exclusive use of the ‘uncouped’ effigy that appears on the obverse of these coins.